Harlem Globetrotters Prove Victorious On Ice In Michigan

As the NHL plans their return, the world famous Harlem Globetrotters made history today by playing an outdoor basketball game on ice in Michigan. Using ice cleats and hockey helmets, the Globetrotters proved victorious over the Global Select with the help of Detroit Red Wings Alumnus Kevin Miller.

Despite the slippery surface, the Globetrotters showed their iconic flair with “slick” dribbling and high flying dunks. They helped fill the void of the cancelled Winter Classic, which was scheduled to take place in Michigan on New Year’s Day.

“We played this game to celebrate all sporting events on ice,” said Harlem Globetrotters star Handles Franklin. “We’re thrilled the NHL is coming back. Unfortunately, they couldn't return in time to play the Winter Classic – so the Globetrotters helped fill that void today by playing this outdoor game on ice. And we thought it was fitting to play it right here in Michigan in the midst of our North American tour with former Red Wing Kevin Miller.”

The ice game occurred on the Globetrotters’ most historic anniversary – celebrating the team’s first ever road game in Hinckley, Ill. on Jan. 7, 1927. Since that time, the team has won over 24,000 games and lost only 345.

The Globetrotters who played in the ice game included Handles, 7-4 Stretch Middleton, the third tallest Globetrotter in team history, Scooter Christensen, Bones Millien, and Moose Weeks.

The Globetrotters new 2013 “You Write the Rules” World Tour will visits 45 states and nine Canadian provinces through April 2013.

The Globetrotters’ game on ice in Michigan adds to a long history of playing in unique settings around the world. The trendsetters of basketball played a game on the roof of the Spectrum in Philadelphia in 2009, in addition to games on an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf, at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium in front of 75,000 fans, on beaches, on the floor of dusty bullrings, at the bottom of empty swimming pools, and at the Vatican in Rome, among other locations, since the team was founded in 1926.

Sponsored by Howard Johnson Hotels, Greyhound Lines, Spalding, and Russell Athletic, the Original Harlem Globetrotters will celebrate their 87th consecutive year in 2013, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Throughout their history, the Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 121 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans—among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents—over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters’ official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com .